Author: HAMMER, WILLIAM J.
Title: Radium, and other radio-active substances; Polonium, Actinium, and Thorium. With a consideration of phosphorescent and fluorescent substances, the properties and applications of selenium, and the treatment of disease by ultra-violet light.
Description: New York and London, D. van Nostrand Co., Crosby Lockwood & Son, 1903. 8vo. W. front. and 38 photoengr. textills. Original publisher's cloth, spine and upper cover gilt. (Front., VIII, 72, VI (List of Works on electrical science published by Van Nostrand), II (Hammer's address and occupation; verso blank) pp.). First edition. This publication originated from Hammer's lecture delivered at a meeting of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the American Electrochemical Society, New York, April 17th, 1903. The work by Hammer appears to be the first American book on radium, a white metal, atomic number 88 and intensely radio active, in Hammer's time (in fact Hammer is credited with inventing luminous radium preparations) often used in luminous paints for watch dials etc. William Hammer was also the first to suggest the use of radium for cancer treatment. The publication is divided into 5 major parts: a discussion of (1) fluorescence, (2) phosphorescence and (3) the properties of radium, polonium, actinium and thorium; (4) the properties and applications of selenium (discovered by Berzelius in 1817) and (5) the treatment of disease by ultra-violet rays. Hammer (1858 - 1934) was among the group of scientists assisting Edison in his laboratory facilities at Menlo Park. A very good copy.

Keywords: activity physics Z5